Book 7: Chapter 49


    Your Majesty!!


    As soon as I got to the entrance of the camp, a body leapt at me, crashing straight into my arms and almost knocking me off the dune. I wobbled and then hugged Luna, who leapt at me. Lunas familiar and soothing scent released itself in my arms as if the brightest flower was blooming in my arms.


    Your Majesty! Did you get hurt?!


    From my embrace, Luna looked up with a shocked expression. She reached her shaky hands up to touch the wound below my neck. I felt a cold prick on my nerves. I shook my head. I hugged her and softly replied, Im fine, Luna. Im fine. Its just a little scratch.


    Your Majesty, you still need to treat your wound despite that! Luna quickly ripped open my cor at the neck and bit my wound. I could feel Luna licking my wound and sucking the sand sitting on it. I could feel my warm blood pour out from the wound again. Luna sucked on my wound with all her might and then spat the blood and sand out to one side. She then took out a handkerchief from her shirt and pressed it on my wound.


    I tightly grabbed hold of Lunas hand and looked at her. I stroked her lips and she raised her head up to look at me with her teary eyes. She quivered as she said, Your Majesty I beg you Please do not abandon me next time. Please do not abandon me Please I am so worried when I am not by your side. I was so worried about you If you did not make it back If you did not make it back How How How would I continue living?


    If I dont make it back, you must live on well.


    I stroked Lunas head then bent down to gently kiss her lips. I could taste some of the sand and blood on her lips. That was the taste my wound left on her lips. I tasted my wound and the soothing fragrance in Lunas mouth. I tasted her love for me, as well as my love for her. Luna closed her eyes and gently sucked me as though she desired me. The two of us were locked tightly in each others embrace with the feeling of excitement of making it through a crisis, in addition to our love for each other. We tasted each others love as if we were experiencing the most beautiful love in this world.


    We released each other and then Luna asked with concern, Your Majesty, where is Miss Lorana?


    <em>Arent you a littlete? But I get it. Im several times more important than Lorana to Luna. </em>


    I pointed behind me and replied, I had someone take care of her. Theyre on their way here now. Pack up our stuff and get ready to set out. Oh, right, how many of our people came back?


    The two teams that split off both came back with no losses. They immediately returned when they reached the camp and saw no one.


    I was relieved to hear Lunas answer.


    <em>Philes and Tarak were thinking well. They both made the most correct decision. It appears that I didnt lose too many men then. I can take home over one-hundred men as it stands at present and the wounded have already left safely. That means I only lost a bit over thirty men.</em>


    <em>I can ept the loss. We just need to return and recuperate, and well recover our strength. Were fortunate we didnt lose the entire unit and got something out of the journey.</em>


    Your Majesty, who did you ask?


    Socinas people I paused for a bit. I didnt know if I should tell Luna about giving the map to Karana. But after some deliberation, I thought there was no point in hiding it. I looked at Luna and informed her, I handed the map we found to them, and as repayment, they will safely escort us back to the city.


    I thought Luna would be shocked and scold me. I thought shed criticise me. But she didnt say anything. Instead, she revealed a relieved smile, looked at me and told me, It is good that you can return to Troy City safely. That treasure map or whatever is nowhere near as important as you. I am d you can return home safely, Your Majesty. It is great that you can return home.


    I stroked her head and chuckled. I responded, Yeah. I want to return as soon as possible, too. I feel that Im making you all roam around here for it. Not only do I want to go home, I want to ensure that you can all return home peacefully. Right now, I feel that ensuring you can leave this ce safely is so much more meaningful than a map.


    Uhm! Your Majesty, let us go home!


    Uhm! Lets go home.


    I led the remaining people out of the camp. When I told them about how I exchanged the map to leave this ce safely, they all showed a look of relief. Judging from their reactions, it would seem that not even Philes, Tarak andpany could continue fighting. The remaining soldiers were in decent condition, but their weapons were all broken. I couldnt help but be joyous about my correct decision.


    <em>Though Im reluctant to ept the oue, I just made a decision which decided our lives. I already know very clearly what my biggest dream is. And thats to return home, back to Nier and Lucias side, back to my loved ones sides. I dont want to die. At least not here.</em>


    <em>Thinking about it, Ive already achieved what I wanted. As opposed to saying that I wanted the mine, it would be more correct to say that I wanted recognition from others. I wanted them to acknowledge that I am qualified to be the Prince and future Emperor. I managed to get what I wanted among countless enemies this time. Socinas people and my soldiers witnessed my efforts. I think that I can acknowledge myself after this.</em>


    <em>It doesnt matter if we give the ore to Socina. Well just trade it in future. However, I now hold their lord in awe and veneration after this. She really is a smart person, who also takes action. She sees everyone as chess pieces. She meticulously calctes every step. I waspletely ignorant of my ce in this game. I was her pawn from beginning to end.</em>


    <em>Shes too frightening. She sat on the sideline and gained without doing a thing, but only someone smart would be able to see the situation clearly. It was my mistake for not bringing Freya. If Freya was here, she mightve been able to read the situation properly.</em>


    ============


    Your Majesty, you truly are a smart man. There are those who fear death everywhere. However, it is very difficult to be able give up what you have on hand. You have a very good grasp on the situation and can make the best decisions. I am very happy to be able to work with you. You most certainly are Elizabeths child. Your intellect and decisiveness does not pale inparison to Her Majesty. I promise you. I shall provide you with the most favourable value for this metal.


    Her voice was excited and eager. She looked at the map I handed her. She could barely hold back her excitement as she sincerely continued, However, I know that you feel somewhat upset about this. Hence, I shall wait at Socina for you toe and scold me. Your Majesty,e to Socina if you have time!